Injured Boy A Long Way From Home

Her nephew, Ryan Barner, 10, was badly burned this week as a lantern he was carrying exploded. Barner now needs extensive treatment for burns across his body.

The problem: Barner is in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where treatment for burn victims is minimal at best.

Hurst is trying to fly Barner back home to the United States, where he can be treated at the Shriner's hospital in Cincinnati.

"The problem is that we don't have much time, and it's going to cost $5,000 to $6,000," Hurst said.

American Airlines is working with her, Hurst said, to transport Barner. "They can get him home, as long as he can sit up. We can also have a hanging IV," she said.

Hurst has established a fund at Wayne Savings Community Bank for community donations.

Barner has been out of the country for the past year, she said; his parents Bobby and Theresa moved the family to Bolivia to farm.

One hurdle has already been crossed. The American Embassy in Bolivia has provided a translator to the Barner family. "Theresa and Bobby couldn't understand the doctors, especially the medical terminology," Hurst said.

Still, the treatment available is marginal, and the family is running out of time to treat Barner, Hurst said. "Friday is Ryan's birthday, and bless his heart, he just wants to come home so badly," she said.